An event at the British Embassy in Paris earlier this week marked the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Jersey’s liberation.

Jersey Ministers were joined by political counterparts from the UK, France, and Guernsey, alongside representatives from the Franco-British Council, to mark the start of a programme of events honouring the island’s liberation from German occupation in 1945.

Pictured: Deputies Gorst, Labey and Morel were among those attending a Government of Jersey event at the British Embassy in Paris this week.

The reception provided an opportunity to reflect on Jersey’s cultural, historic and diplomatic connections with France.

As part of the evening, guests viewed a special display of works by Claude Cahun, a French artist and resistance fighter who lived in Jersey during the Occupation.

External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said: “The reception provided a fantastic opportunity to reaffirm the deep ties between Jersey and France.

“We are proud of our close partnerships with our nearest neighbour, particularly the regions of Normandy and Brittany, which have flourished through collaboration in the areas of heritage, education, the arts, and trade.

“I am delighted that we were able to celebrate these links together as we marked the start of events for the 80th anniversary of Liberation.”

International Development Minister Carolyn Labey added: “This event demonstrated the progress made in better connecting Jersey to Paris in recent years, and through the work of Claude Cahun we learned how we can use lessons of the past to inspire our future.

Pictured: Anne Duncan, British Council France Director, with Deputies Morel and Labey.

“We have many more exciting events planned for Liberation 80, where we can celebrate our history and once again highlight our central position within a range of international relationships and projects.”

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel added that the return of direct air links between Paris and Jersey would further strengthen cultural and economic collaboration.

“We must now continue to develop our international reputation and provide a greater range of opportunities for islanders, through tourism and commerce, education and cultural exchanges,” he said.

The Jersey delegation also held diplomatic meetings with British Ambassador Dame Menna Rawlings and French cultural officials, including discussions on the island’s involvement in the 2027 European Year of the Normans.

Further events to mark Liberation 80 include a Westminster reception on 6 May, a VE Day service at Westminster Abbey, and island-wide commemorations on 9 May.